Reconfigurable Modular Footwear Footbed Assemblies

ABSTRACT

A modular footwear assembly having a modular sole. The footwear sole has a base member with a bottom surface and a top surface. A plurality of engagement formations are disposed on the base member. The engagement formations are accessible on the top surface of the base member. A plurality of plug modules are provided. The plug modules are selectively connectable to the top surface of the base member in any of a plurality of different possible positions. Each of the plurality of plug elements is affixed in place the engagement formations. The top surface of the base member and the plurality of plug modules combine to form a bearing surface upon which the foot rests when the modular footwear assembly is worn.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the national phase priority of PCT/GB2011/001045having an international filing date of Jul. 11, 2011 which is a PCTfiling of Great Britain Application No. 1011650.7 filed Jul. 9, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to reconfigurable modular footwear footbedassemblies and particularly, but not exclusively to flips flops orsandals having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to provide some customisation of footwear by embroidering aperson's name on a shoe. The size and location of the motif is usuallydictated by the manufacturer. Typically a customer has to order such ashoe especially and then wait some time for delivery. Similarly,customers may also select different coloured panels for a custom madeshoe. Again, the shoe has to be especially ordered and there is a waitfor delivery.

US2008/0060110 discloses accessorising a shoe that has an upper withpre-existing through-holes by fitting decorative badges to the upper.The badges have a shaft extending from their rear faces that is insertedinto a through-hole in the shoe upper and a fastener that secures to theshaft from within the shoe. The badge does not become a part of the shoeand the proximity of the fastener to the upper part of the wearer's footmay make the shoe uncomfortable to wear.

The background discussion (including any potential prior art) is not tobe taken as an admission of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a reconfigurable modular footwear footbedassembly comprising a base member and a plurality of plug modules, saidbase member being provided with a plurality of first engagementformations by which said plug modules can be releasably secured to saidbase member to form a footbed that is reconfigurable by selectivelypositioning and securing said plug modules to said base member.

The invention also includes a kit of parts for assembly into areconfigurable modular footwear footbed assembly comprising a basemember and a plurality of plug modules, said base member being providedwith a plurality of first engagement formations by which said plugmodules can be releasably secured to said base member to form a footbedthat is reconfigurable by selectively positioning and securing said plugmodules to said base member.

The invention also includes a method of assembling a reconfigurablemodular footwear footbed assembly, said method comprising selectivelyreleasably securing a plurality of plug modules to a base member to forma footwear footbed that is reconfigurable by releasing, repositioningand re-securing said plug modules to said base member.

The invention also includes a reconfigurable modular footwear footbedassembly comprising a base member and at least one structural plugmodule required to stiffen said base member to prevent collapsing ofsaid base member in use, said base member being provided with at leastone first engagement portion by which said at least one plug module canbe releasably secured to said base member to form said footbed.

The invention also includes a modular footbed assembly for a flip flopor sandal, said footbed assembly comprising at least one pair of plugmodules and a central spine module, said plug modules each comprising asegment of the footbed and having a first attachment formation and saidcentral spine module having a longitudinal axis and at least one pair ofcomplementary second attachment formations disposed one on each side ofsaid longitudinal axis to permit a said pair of modules to be connectedto said central spine module. Each said pair of second formations maycomprise a plurality of openings or projections on each side of saidlongitudinal axis to permit said plug modules to be connected to saidcentral spine module in a plurality of designated positions to permitfoot-bearing faces of different size and/or shaped to be formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be well understood, some examplesthereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be describedwith reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an article offootwear having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the reconfigurable modular footbed assembly ofFIG. 1 in a different configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 1 with thereconfigurable modular footbed assembly in the configuration shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another reconfigurable modular footbedassembly;

FIG. 5 is a section on line V-V in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second example of an article offootwear having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly;

FIG. 7 is a section view on line II-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third example of an article offootwear having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly;

FIG. 9 is a section view on line IX-IX in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example of an article offootwear having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly;

FIG. 11 is a section on line XI-XI in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth example of an article offootwear having a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another reconfigurable modularfootbed assembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of still another reconfigurable modularfootwear footbed assembly;

FIG. 15 is a section view on line XV-XV in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further reconfigurable modularfootbed assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh article of footwear that hasthe reconfigurable modular footbed assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a section view on line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a scrap section view corresponding FIG. 18 showing analternative plug module configuration;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an underside of a pair ofreconfigurable modular footwear footbed assemblies;

FIG. 21 is a scrap section view on line XXI-XXI in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view on an upper side of the reconfigurablemodular footwear footbed assemblies of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EXAMPLES

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an article of footwear in the form of a flipflop 10 (or thong as such footwear is known in some countries) comprisesa reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 12 and a strap system 14.

The reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 12 comprises a base member16 and a plurality of plug modules 18 that are releasably securable tothe base member. The base member 18 has a first major face (foot-bearingface) 20 that in use is engaged by a wearer's foot and a second majorface (ground-engaging face) 22 that in use engages the ground. Althoughnot essential, in this example the base member 16 is generallyrectangular in plan view with radiussed corners. The base member isprovided with a two ridges forming a cruciform land 24 that defines fourrecesses 26 disposed at the corner regions of the base member. Althoughnot essential, in this example the recesses 26 are generally rectangularin plan view. The plug modules 18 are shaped to fit in and at leastsubstantially fill the recesses 26. In the illustrated example there arefour recesses 26 and a corresponding number of plug modules 18. It is tobe understood that the base member 16 may be provided with a greater orlesser number of recesses 26 and a corresponding number of plug modules18.

Each recess 26 is provided with a plurality of first engagementformations in the form of stepped, multi-diameter, through-holes 28.Each through-hole 28 comprises a narrower diameter portion that extendsfrom the base of the respective recess 26 towards the second major face22 and a larger diameter portion that extends from the narrower diameterportion to the second major face. The plug modules 18 are provided witha plurality of second engagement formations in the form of steppedspigots 30 that are engagable in the stepped through-holes 28 toreleasably secure the plug modules to the base member 16. The steppedspigots 30 comprise a larger diameter retaining portion at their freeends and a narrower diameter stem connecting the retaining portion tothe plug module 18. The narrower diameter portion of the through-holes28 defines a restriction through which the retaining portion may besnap-fitted into the larger diameter portion of the through holes.

The first and second engagement formations 28, 30 provide a push-ftsecuring system by which the plug modules 18 are releasably securable tothe base member. At least one of the first and second engagementformations 28, 30 is resiliently deformable to permit the snap-fittingof the retaining portions through the narrower diameter portions of thethrough holes 28. Sufficient resilient deformability may be obtained byselection of suitable materials, for example an elastomer, and suitabledimensioning of the parts 28, 30. To reduce the effort required to pushthe retaining portions through the restrictions, the retaining portionsmay be provided with chamfers, tapered or given a dome shapedcross-section.

The plug modules 18 are each provided with two sets of two spigots 30. Aleading end set of spigots 30 is provided at a leading end region ofeach plug module 18 and a trailing end set of spigots 30 is provided atthe trailing end region of each plug module. In this context, leadingend means the end closest to the toe end of the footbed assembly 12 andtrailing end means the end closest to the heel end of the footbedassembly.

Referring to FIG. 2, each set of through-holes 28 comprises a first pair28(1) of through-holes and a second pair 28(2) of through holes. Thepairs 28(1), 28(2) of through-holes are disposed on respective imaginarylines extending perpendicular to a longitudinally extending centreline40 of the footbed assembly. The second pairs 28(2) of through-holes arelaterally offset from the first pairs 28(1) of through-holes and arecloser to the corner 42 of the base member 16 of the respective recesses26 in which they are provided. The lateral offset of the second pairs28(2) of through-holes is such that their through-holes are disposedfurther from the centreline 40 than the through-holes of the first pairsof through-holes 28(1). The arrangement of the sets of through-holes 28allows the securing of a plug module 18 in a recess 26 in one of twopositions. If the spigots 30 are engaged with the through-holes 28 ofthe pairs 28(1) the plug modules 18 are secured in a first position thatis shown in FIG. 1. When in the first position the plug modules 18substantially fill the recesses 26 to provide a foot-bearing face havinga substantially continuous surface. If the spigots 30 are engaged withthe through-holes of the second pairs 28(2) the plug modules 18 aresecured in a second position that is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Due to thelateral offset of the pairs 28(2) of through-holes the plug modules 18are spaced from the opposing sides of the land 24 to leave a gap 42 andthe outer edges 44, 46 of the plug modules 18 overhang the periphery ofthe base member 16. The result is that the effective area of thefoot-bearing face is increased as compared with the configuration shownin FIG. 1, but it does not comprise a continuous surface.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the strap system 14 comprises a generallyY-shaped member 54 that is secured to the base member 16 at threelocations on the land 24. The Y-shaped member 54 may be secured to thebase member 16 by any suitable known technique and may, for example, besecured using an arrangement of stepped diameter formations similar tothe through-holes 28 and spigots 30.

As illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 3, the footbed assembly 12 isreconfigurable by selectively securing the plug modules 18 in one of twopositions in the recesses 26. This allows the effective area of thefoot-bearing face to be varied. FIGS. 2 and 3 show all four plug modules18 secured in their second positions in the recesses 26. However, aparticular wearer may decide to only have the plug modules 18 at theleading end of the footbed assembly or the plug modules at the trailingend of the footbed assembly in their second positions and have the othertwo plug modules in their first positions. Similarly, a wearer maydecide to have the plug modules 18 on just one side of the footbedassembly in their second positions with the plug modules on the otherside in their first positions. Thus a wearer may reconfigure the footbedassembly 12 in one of several configurations according to their desire.One possibility this provides is that the effective area of thefoot-bearing face may be increased to take account of growth of awearer's feet. Another possibility is to make the effective area of thefoot-bearing faces of a pair of footbed assemblies 12 with differentsizes thus providing customised asymmetric footwear.

The footbed assembly 12 may be further reconfigurable by providingdifferences between the plug modules 18. For example, the plug modules18 may have different colours, carry different forms of ornamentation,have varying surface textures (for example smooth and dimpled or ribbed)and/or different cross-section profiles. Thus by swapping the positionsof the diametrically opposed plug modules, the look and/or feel of thefootbed assembly can be reconfigured according to the wishes of thewearer. Further choice may be provided by having more than four plugmodules 18 with an increased variety of colours, ornamentation, surfaceconfiguration or cross-section profile.

The possible choice of configuration of the footbed assembly 12 shown inFIGS. 1 to 3 is limited by the different size radiuses of inner cornersof the recesses 26 defined by the land 24 and the corners 42 of the basemember 16, which only allow the plug modules to be secured to the basemember in two of the four recesses (that is the plug modules are‘handed’). By making the radiuses equal or making the corners square,for example, the plug modules 18 can be configured so that the can besecured in each recess 26 to provide more choice for the wearer.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 112.Features of the footbed assembly 112 similar to or the same as featuresof the footbed assembly 12 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 100 and may not be described in detail again.

The base member 118 has oppositely disposed ribs 116(1), 116(2)projecting from a generally planar central portion. The ribs 116(1),116(2) extend in a lengthways direction of the base member over at leastthe majority of its length giving the base member a generally cruciformcross section that can be seen in FIG. 5. The ribs 116(1), 116(2) alsodefine a centreline that divides the base member into two side portions,or wings 116(3), 116(4). Although not essential, in the illustratedexample the ribs 116(1), 116(2) curve slightly as they approach the toeend 121 of the footbed assembly 112.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the base member 116 is provided with firstengagement formations in the form of stepped through-holes 128. Thethrough-holes 128 are provided in sets of four. The four through-holesin each set extend in a line transverse to the rib 116(2) with twothrough-holes on each side of the rib.

The plug modules 118 are bodies having a opposed generally parallelfoot-bearing and ground engaging surfaces 181(1), 118(2) surfaces and aninclined side surface 118(3). Each plug module 118 bodies define apocket, or recess 118(4) to receive a portion of a wing 116(3), 116(4)of the base member 116. The plug modules are provided with secondengagement formations in the form of two stepped spigots 130 that aredisposed within the pockets 116(4). The spigots 130 extend generallyperpendicular to the surfaces 118(1), 118(2) and away from the surface118(2). The through-holes 128 and spigots 130 form a push-fit securingsystem to releasably secure the plug modules 118 to the base member 116.

In FIG. 5 two push-fit modules 118 are shown secured to the base member116 with both spigots 130 secured in respective ones of the set ofthrough-holes 128. This constitutes a first secured position of the plugmodules 118. Alternatively, one or both plug modules may be secured tothe base member by having its laterally innermost spigot 130 engaged inthe laterally outermost through-hole of the wing 116(3), 116(4) to whichit is secured. This constitutes a second secured position of the plugmodules 118. When in the second secured position, the laterallyoutermost spigot 130 and laterally innermost through-hole 128 are notused. By selecting between the first and second secured positions thewearer can provide a relatively narrower footbed assembly 112 (firstsecured position) or a relatively wider footbed assembly 112 (secondsecured position).

The respective pairs of plug modules 118 at the heel and toe ends of thefootbed assembly are also releasably securable to the base member 116 bymeans of a spigot and through-hole push-fit securing system. In theillustrated example the two through-holes for the heel and toe end plugmodules are arranged in-line on lines extending transverse to the lineson which the through-holes for the other plug modules are disposed. Inthe same way as the other plug modules, the plug modules at the heel andtoe ends can be secured to base member by means of both or just one oftheir spigots. However, instead of changing the width of the footbedassembly 112, this change alters the length. Specifically, the footbedassembly is relatively shorter when in the plug modules are in theirfirst secured positions (both spigots engaging in the through holes) andis relatively longer when the plug modules are in their second securedposition (only one spigot engaging a through-hole).

The footbed assembly 112 is thus reconfigurable in a variety of widthsand lengths. The footbed assembly 12 may be further reconfigurable byproviding differences colour, forms of ornamentation, surface texture(for example smooth and dimpled or ribbed) and/or cross-section profilesof the plug modules.

It is to be understood that it is not essential for the sides 118(3) ofthe plug modules to be inclined as in the illustrated example. However,having the sides upwardly inclined as shown assists in making featuresof ornamentation provided on the sides of the plug modules visible.

The footbed assembly 112 comprises several plug modules 118 that canonly be fitted to one set of through-holes on the base member 116. Thisapplies to the plug modules 118 at the heel and toe ends of the basemember, which are all handed. Also there are two plug modules 118 thathave notches 131. These two plug modules are fitted adjacent respectiveopenings 125 that are provided for securing a Y-shaped strap system tothe footbed assembly 112 (A third such opening is provided adjacent thetoe end 121 adjacent the leading end of the rib 116(2)). In order toprovide greater choice in reconfiguring the footbed assembly it may bedesirable to provide duplicate handed plug modules having differentcolours, ornamentation, texture and/or cross-section profile.Alternatively, the base member 116 and plug modules 118 may all be maderectangular in plan view with all of the plug modules having the samedimensions so that any one plug module can be located at any availableplug module position on the base member. This would entail having spacesbetween the plug members adjacent the openings 125 provided for theY-shaped strap system.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an article of footwear in the form of a flip flop 210comprising a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 212 and a strapsystem 214. Features of the flip flop 210 similar to or the same asfeatures of the flip flop 10 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 200 and may not be described in detail again.

The base member 216 is generally rectangular with radiussed corners anda raised section, or heel support, 224 at the heel end 219 that definesa single recess 226 extending from the heel support to the toe end 221of the footbed assembly. The strap system 214 comprises a Y-shapedmember 254 secured to the recessed portion of the base member.

The footbed assembly 212 is fitted with eight plug modules 218. The basemember 216 is provided with eight first engagement formations in theform of stepped holes 228 and the plug modules 218 are provided withrespective second engagement formations in the form of stepped spigots230 that are engagable in the through holes 228 to releasably secure theplug modules to the base member. Although not essential, as shown inFIG. 7, in this example the first engagement formations are blind holes228, rather than through-holes.

The plug modules 218 are generally rectangular in plan view with notches231 provided in opposed ends thereof. The notches 231 allow the plugmodules to fit around the ends of the Y-shaped member 254.

The plug modules 218 may be made in different colours, be provided withdifferent ornamentation or surface textures and/or have differentcross-section profiles. The releasable securing of the plug modules 218to the base member 216 allows the plug modules 218 to be selectivelypositioned on the base member 216 so that a wearer can configure and/orreconfigure the footbed assembly 212 as desired.

In the illustrated example, the provision of the notches 231 allows eachplug module to be positioned at any position in the recess 226 in closeproximity so that there is little discontinuity in the foot-bearingsurface provided by the footbed assembly. It is not essential that allof the plug modules have notches 231 or that there are notches 231 atopposite ends of the plug modules. The plug modules 218 may be madesmaller than shown in FIG. 6 so that when they are secured to the basemember there is sufficient space between them to allow the Y-shapedmember 254 to engage the base member. However, this would producegreater discontinuity in the foot-bearing face, which may be consideredundesirable. Further alternatives would be to have a notch 231 at justone end of each plug module 218 or to have just two plug modulesprovided with notches 231. It is simply necessary to allow the ends ofthe Y-shaped member 254 to engage the base member 216 without affectingthe removability of the plug modules.

Although not shown, the base member 216 may be provided with a greaternumber of holes 228 arranged such that the plug modules 218 can bereleasably secured to the base member in the configuration shown in FIG.6 or such that at least some of the plug modules 218 extend beyond theedges of the base member 218. This would allow a wearer to reconfigurethe footbed assembly 212 so as to effectively increase the area of thefoot-bearing surface.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an article of footwear in the form of a flip flop 310comprising a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 312 and a strapsystem 314. Features of the flip flop 310 similar to or the same asfeatures of the flip flop 10 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 300 and may not be described in detail again.

In this example, the reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 312comprises a generally planar base member 316 and a plurality of plugmodules 318 releasably secured to the base member. The base member 316is generally rectangular in plan view but has scalloped, or undulating,sides. Although not essential, the plug modules 318 are circular in planview and the base member 316 is provided with respective circular pads321 that form seats for the plug modules. The pads 321 are arranged tocomplement the profiles of the projecting portions of the scallopedsides.

The push-fit securing system by which the plug modules 318 arereleasably secured to the base member 316 differs from the push-fitsecuring systems of the flip flops 10, 210 in that the first engagementformations are spigots 328 provided on the base member and the secondengagement formations are blind holes 330 provided in the plug modules318. It is to be understood that in the same way as in the flip flops10, 210, the first engagement formations of the flip flop 310 could alsobe spigots and the second engagement formations could be blind holes orthough-holes.

The arrangement of the plug modules 318 is such as to provide afoot-bearing surface that has greater discontinuity than thefoot-bearing surfaces of the flip flops 10, 210. Some wearers may findthis unattractive. However, by giving the plug modules 318 a domedcross-section profile, it is possible to provide a foot-bearing surfacethat is not uncomfortable and may provide a massage effect when thewearer is walking.

In the same way as the flip flops 10, 210, the plug modules 318 may bemade in different colours or provided with different ornamentation,surface texture or cross-section profile so that by selectiverepositioning and/or substitution of the plug modules the footbedassembly 312 can be reconfigured as desired.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an article of footwear in the form of a flip flop410 comprising a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 412 and a strapsystem 414. Features of the flip flop 410 similar to or the same asfeatures of the flip flop 10 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 400 and may not be described in detail again.

The reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 412 comprises a base member416 and a plurality of plug modules 418. The base member 416 is providedwith a plurality of recesses 426 in its underside and a plurality offirst engagement formations in the form of stepped through-holes 428.The recesses 426 define gaps in the side surface 423 and under-surfaceof the base member 416 that are filled by the plug modules 418.

The plug modules 418 comprise a generally planar base 425, a side member427 at one end of the base and a second engagement formation in the formof a stepped spigot 430 at the opposite end of the base. The plugmodules 418 are configured such than when secured to the base member 416the side members 427 fill the gaps in the sides 423 of the base member.The spigots 430 of the plug modules are provided with badges 431 ontheir free ends. The badges 431 may be made in different shapes as shownin FIG. 10 or may simply be provided with different ornamentation,colour, texture or cross-section profile. Similarly the side members 427may be made in different colours or provided with differentornamentation or texture. In the illustrated example the side members427 are curved to match the curvature of the undulating sides 423 of thebase member 416 so that when the plug modules 418 are assembled to thebase member a substantially continuous scalloped side is formed. This isnot essential and instead, for example, the sides 423 of the base member416 and side members may be flat.

The plug modules 418 are releasably securable to the base member 418 bymeans of the push-fit securing system defined by the through-holes 428and spigots 430. By selective repositioning of the plug modules 418 awearer can reconfigure the footbed assembly 412. If desired, the sidemembers 427 may be made the same colour as the side 423 of the basemember 418 or provided with the same ornamentation or texture as theside 423 so that the changed appearance obtained by reconfiguring thefootbed assembly 412 derives from the colour, ornamentation, shape,texture and/or cross-section profile of the badges 431. Alternatively,the badges 431 may have the same colour, ornamentation or texture as thebase member 416 so that the changed appearance is the product ofdifferences in the colour, ornamentation, texture and/or cross-sectionprofile of the side members 427.

In the illustrated example, the badges 431 project from the plane of thefoot-bearing face defined by the base member 418. This is not essentialand instead the plug modules 418 may be provided with spigots 430 thatfit substantially flush with the plane of the foot-bearing face.

FIG. 12 shows an article of footwear in the form of a boot 510 with areconfigurable modular footbed assembly 512 and an upper 514. Featuresof the footbed assembly 512 similar to or the same as features of thefootbed assembly 12 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 500 and may not be described in detail again.

In the illustrated example the upper 514 provides the article offootwear with a boot form. It is to be understood that the upper 514 maytake many forms and may, for example, be configured to provide anydesired form of shoe, sandal or the like.

The reconfigurable footbed assembly 512 comprises a base member 516 anda plurality of plug modules 518 releasably securable to the base member.The base member 516 has a sidewall 523 provided with a plurality ofshallow recesses 526. In the illustrated example the base member 516 isshown provided with an arch so as to define a sole portion and a heelportion. However, this is not essential as the arch may be omitted sothat the ground engaging face of the base member is substantiallyplanar.

The plug modules 518 may comprise a plate-like member configured to fitin and at least substantially fill the recesses 526. In this example thereleasable push-fit securing system by which the plug modules 518 arereleasably securable to the base member 516 comprises first engagementportions in the form of apertures 528 extending into the base member 516from the recesses 526 and second engagement portions in the formrespective projections 530 provided on the inner faces of the plugmodules 518. The projections 530 fit in the apertures 528 in the mannerof a key and may be provided with axially extending ribs 541 that fit incomplementary grooves 543 defined by the apertures. As can be seen fromFIG. 12, the configuration of the projections 530 and their ribs 541 maytake many forms. With reference to the plug module 518 that fits intothe heel portion of the base member 516 it can be seen that it is notessential that there is a recess 526 to receive the plug module and thatinstead of being in the form of a plate-like member, the plug module maycomprise a plurality of badges 531 mounted directly on the secondengagement formation (projection) 530. The apertures 528 and/orprojections 530 (and ribs 541 if provided) are made resilientlydeformable to provide an interference fit that is sufficient to securethe plug modules 518 to the base member 516 such that the plug modulesare held in place while the boot 510 is in use but allow a wearer to fitand remove the plug modules by a simple push-fitting operation that doesnot require tools or significant physical exertion.

The plug modules 518 may be made in different colours or provided withdifferent ornamentation, surface texture or cross-section profile. Byrepositioning the plug modules 518, or fitting different plug modules tothe recesses 524 of the sole portion of the base member 516, the wearercan configure and/or reconfigure the reconfigurable modular footbedassembly 512. It is to be understood that the apertures 528 in the soleportion of the base member 516 are shown having different shapesprimarily for the purpose of illustrating that the apertureconfiguration is not limited to any one shape and that to provide thewearer with greater choice and flexibility of design, it is preferablethat the apertures in the sole portion have the same shape so that theplug modules 518 are not limited to use with particular ones of therecesses 526. In this example the plug modules fitted to the soleportion of the base member are not suitable for fitting to the heelportion, which is configured to be fitted with just one plug module.However, it is still possible to provide the wearer with the possibilityof reconfiguring the heel portion of the base member by providing a kitof parts comprising a plurality of plug modules configured to be fittedto the heel portion or providing a range of such plug modules at a pointof sale.

FIG. 13 illustrates a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 612comprising a planar base member 616 and a plurality of plug modules 618releasably securable to the base member. Features of the footbedassembly 612 similar to or the same as features of the footbed assembly12 are indicated by the same reference numeral incremented by 600 andmay not be described in detail again.

The base member 616 is provided with a plurality of first engagementformations in the form of holes 628 and the plug modules 618 areprovided with second engagement formations in the form of projections630. The holes 628 are arranged in a grid comprising parallel first rowsof holes extending in the lengthways direction base member and parallelsecond rows extending perpendicular to the first rows. The plug modules618 are each provided with a plurality of the projections 630 spaced tocorrespond with the grid spacing of the holes 628. The number ofprojections 630 provided on a plug module 618 may be dependent on thesize of the plug module. For example a plug module 618 may be providedwith two or four projections 630 as shown in FIG. 13. It may bepreferable to provide larger plug modules 618 with sufficientprojections 630 to be able to fit every hole 628 disposed beneath theplug module when fitted to the base member 616. However, this is notessential. For example, the plug modules 618 shown with four projections630 may be provided with just two. In principle there may be just oneprojection. However, having more than one projection 630 will providebetter security and prevent the plug modules 618 from rotating about theaxis of the projections.

In the illustrated example the projections 630 are simple circularsection pins and the holes 628 are simple circular section holes. It isto be understood that this is not essential and that stepped holes andstepped spigots as illustrated in the previous examples may be usedinstead. The holes 628 and projections 630 are made resilientlydeformable so as to permit a desired interference when the plug modules618 are fitted to the base member 616.

The plug modules 618 may comprise badges 631 as illustrated and/orcomprise members having different colours, ornamentation, surfacetexture and/or cross-section profile. A wearer can configure thereconfigurable modular footbed assembly 612 by push-fitting plug modules618 to the base member 616 in any desired configuration. For example, asshown the plug modules 618 may include modules of different thicknesswith arcuate top surfaces 618(2). By suitable selection of such plugmodules 618 it would be possible to build up a foot-bearing face havingcustomised contouring, for example to take account of a foot abnormalityof the wearer.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 712comprising a planar base member 716 and a plurality of plug modules 718releasably securable to the base member. Features of the footbedassembly similar to or the same as features of the footbed assembly 12are indicated by the same reference numeral incremented by 700 and maynot be described in detail again.

The reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 712 is similar to thereconfigurable modular footbed assembly 612. The main difference is thatthe first engagement formations provided on the base member 716 areprojections, or stepped spigots, 728 having a domed or mushroom head andthe second engagement formations provided on the plug modules 718 aremulti-diameter openings 730 that can receive the spigots 728. Thespigots 728 are arranged in a grid comprising parallel first rows ofholes extending in the lengthways direction base member and parallelsecond rows extending perpendicular to the first rows. As illustrated byFIG. 15, the openings 730 may be provided at any convenient location onthe underside of the plug modules 730. For example, the openings 730 maybe located off-centre as shown, provided that where multiple openingsare provided the openings are spaced to correspond to the grid spacingof the spigots 728.

Depending on the shape and configuration of the plug modules 718selected and the way in which they are fitted to the base member 716, agreater or lesser number of spigots 728 will be covered by a plugmodule. In some examples it may be desirable to make the spigots 728relatively soft and/or shape their free ends in such a way as to avoiddiscomfort to a wearer if a significant number of spigots are leftuncovered. For example, the spigots may be hemispherical with aflattened free end. The configuration of the spigots may be such thatthey give a pleasing massage effect to the wearer's foot.

The base member 716 is provided with three openings 725 (only two ofwhich can be seen in FIG. 14). The openings 725 are for use in securinga strap system (not show) comprising a Y-shaped member to the basemember 716. The Y-shaped member my be the same as the member 54illustrated in FIG. 3.

The plug modules 718 may comprise badges 731 as illustrated and/orcomprise members having different colours, ornamentation, surfacetexture and/or cross-section profile. A wearer can assemble theconfigure and/or reconfigure the reconfigurable modular footbed assembly712 by push-fitting plug modules 718 to the base member 716 in anydesired configuration.

FIGS. 16 to 17 show an article of footwear in the form of a flip flop810 comprising a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 812 and a strapsystem 814. Features of the flip flop 810 similar to or the same asfeatures of the flip flop 10 are indicated by the same reference numeralincremented by 800 and may not be described in detail again.

The base member 816 is a generally planar member provided with aplurality, in this example three, of recesses 824 in the foot-bearingface. Although not essential the recesses 824 are generally rectangularin plan view. The base member is provided with first engagementformations in the form of undercuts 828 (FIG. 18) provided at oppositesides 827 of the recesses 824. The undercuts 828 extend along the entirelength of two the sides 827.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the plug modules 818 are plate-like membersthat can bend to form an arch so as to reduce their width to less thanthe distance between the two sides 827. The plug modules 818 are madefrom a resiliently deformable material and can be snap-fitted intoengagement with the undercuts 828 by inserting one edge 829 of thearched module into one undercut and then allowing the plug module toresile to its normal generally planar state and engage the otherundercut. In this way the plug modules 818 are releasably securable tothe base member 816 by trapping their edges 829 in the undercuts 828.

It is to be understood that while in the illustrated example theundercuts are configured to receive a complete edge 829 of the plugmodules 818 this is not essential. For example the undercut may beconfigured to receive a tab projecting from an edge 829 in which casethe undercut can be located and sized to just receive the tab.

The plug modules 818 may comprise messages 731 as illustrated and/orcomprise members having different colours, ornamentation, surfacetexture and/or cross-section profile. A wearer can assemble theconfigure the reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 812 bypush-fitting plug modules 818 to the base member 816 in any desiredconfiguration and may reconfigure the footbed assembly by removing theplugs modules and re-arranging the modules or fitting different plugsmodule to the base member as desired.

FIG. 19 shows a modification to the form of the plug module 818, recess824 and undercut 828. Instead of being substantially rectilinear, theplug module 818 is curved, having a generally elliptical cross-section.The recess 824 and undercuts 828 are curved so as to complement theshape of the plug module.

FIGS. 20 to 21 illustrate a reconfigurable modular footbed assembly 912comprising a planar base member 916 and a plurality of plug modules 918releasably securable to the base member. Features of the footbedassembly similar to or the same as features of the footbed assembly 12are indicated by the same reference numeral incremented by 900 and maynot be described in detail again.

The base member is shown with three stepped through-holes 925 to permitthe fixing of a Y-shaped strap (not shown) to form a flip flop. However,other strapping systems can be employed to use the footbed assembly 912to make a sandal or the like.

The base member 916 is provided with a plurality of first engagementportions in the form of a plurality of through-holes 928 that extendthrough the base member perpendicular to the plane of the base member.Although not essential, in the illustrated example the through-holes arearranged in a meandering line that extends between the toe and heel endsof the base member. As best seen in FIG. 21, the through-holes 928comprise respective circular recesses in the ground-engaging andfoot-bearing faces of the base member and a narrower passage 929 (FIG.21) extending between the two recesses to define a restriction. The plugmodules 918 each comprise a member that can be fitted into athrough-hole 928 so as to at least substantially fill the through-holeand to that end the plug modules each comprise a narrower centralsection with circular flanges 927 at each end to fill the circularrecesses. Although not essential, the passage 929 and central section ofthe plug modules are provided with respective flat surface portions 931,933. The flat surface portions 931, 933 serve to prevent the plugmodules from rotating in the through-holes 928 once fitted to the basemember 916. The flat surface portions 931, 933 also serve to orientatethe plug modules 918, which, as described below, is desirable for someapplications.

The through-holes 928 with their restrictions defined by the passages929 and the flanges 927 of the plug modules 918 form a push-fitreleasable securing system. The flanges 927 and/or portions of the basemember that define the passages 929 are made sufficiently resilient toallow a flange to pass through a passage when a plug module 918 ispush-fitted into the through-holes during fitting to and removal fromthe base member 916.

In the illustrated example, the flanges 927 of the plug modules areprovided with projecting symbols 935. The symbols 935 project above therespective planes of the foot-bearing and ground-engaging faces of thebase member 916. This provides the possibility of leaving imprints ofmessages, slogans, designs or the like formed by selected combinationsof plug modules 918 as the wearer of an article of footwear comprisingthe footbed assembly 912 walks on, for example, sand. It will beunderstood that in cases in which a particular design, slogan or messageis to be created, the complementary flat surface portions 931, 933 canassist in correctly orientating the symbols 935 and ensuring that thedesign, slogan or message remains fixed while the article of footwear isin use.

Although the symbols 935 are shown projecting from both major faces ofthe base member 916, this is not essential and it may be desirable toconfigure the plug modules 918 so that they can be fitted to the basemember 916 with the symbols 935 at the foot-bearing face flush with thesurface of the base member. It is to be understood that the plug modules918 do not have to be provided with symbols as shown. Instead, the plugmodules may be made in different colours or provided with differentornamentation, texture or section profiles. It is also to be understoodthat it is not essential that the through-holes 928 are arranged in ameandering line as shown. Through-holes 928 may be arranged in anydesired configuration.

In the illustrated examples, the plug modules are shown providing thepossibility of reconfiguring the reconfigurable modular footbed assemblyto change the size of a foot-bearing face of the footbed assembly and/orto alter the appearance of the footbed assembly. The plug modules can bemade with different texture and/or cross-section profiles to allow thefootbed assembly to be configured to give a desired tactile effect,including the possibility of a massage effect when a wearer is walkingin an article of footwear incorporating the footbed assembly. Thus, forexample, the plug modules may be made from different materials includingrelative harder and softer materials. A further possibility is that byselection of the cross-section profile of the plug modules afoot-bearing face having particular contours, for example to counteractthe effects of a foot abnormality, can be assembled. Yet anotherpossibility is the provision of footwear with asymmetric footbeds. Forexample, the footbed assemblies shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 can be readilyconfigured with footbeds that have different widths and/or lengths.

In the illustrated examples the plug modules are releasably secured tothe base member by an interference fit between portions of the basemember and plug modules or by resilient snap-fitting. This is notessential. The base member and plug modules may be configured for theplug modules to be secured by other means. For example, a cam lockingsystem or twist lock could be used. Thus, for example, in the case ofthe reconfigurable footed assembly shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 the plugmodules could be provided with one or more projections that can engagetracks provided in the through-holes to engage by twist locking. In thiscase the tracks can be arranged such that they cooperate with theprojections to both releasably secure the plug modules to the basemember and orientate the plug modules in similar fashion to the flatsurface portions 931, 933.

It is to be understood that the various reconfigurable modular footwearfootbed assemblies shown provided with a Y-shaped strap system toprovide a flip flop are not limited to that configuration. In principle,any form of strapping system may be used. For example, straps may extendfrom opposite sides of the footbed assembly to be fastened by means ofbuckles or a hook and loop releasable fastener system such as Velcro®.In principle any known type and configuration of strap system as usedwith footwear may be provided on the reconfigurable footbed assembly.

It is to be understood that the reconfigurable modular footwear footbedassembly can be supplied in made up form, in kits comprising the partsof the footbed assembly or loose at a point of sale whereby a purchasercan select parts as required.

The various examples of reconfigurable modular footwear footbedassemblies described provide the possibility of considerable freedom forwearers to obtain an article of footwear or footbed assembly that can becustomised to provide a desired appearance, shape, size and/or tactilesensation. Additionally, they provide the possibility for parties tosupply customised footwear designed to advertise or promote a particularproduct, business and/or event.

It will be understood that a reconfigurable modular footwear assembly asdescribed may allow for relatively quick and easy repair of damaged orworn portions by the owner of an article of footwear incorporating thefootbed assembly or a repairer. In principle, the reconfigurable aspectof the modular footbed assembly allows the possibility of on the spotrepair.

In the description above reference has been made to the wearer andactions taken by the wearer. It is to be understood that the initialconfiguring of the footwear footbed assembly and any subsequentreconfiguring does not have to be done be a wearer. For example, theinitial configuration and assembly could be undertaken at a shop orfactory in response to an order from a client. For more specialistapplications, a footbed assembly may be designed and/or assembled by apodiatrist or similarly medically/technically qualified person.

In this specification reference is made to a foot-bearing face of thefootbed assembly. Typically in cases in which the footbed assembly formsa part of a flip flop or sandal the face referred to will actually beengaged by the wearer's foot. However, in when the footbed assembly isincorporated in a boot or shoe as in the example shown in FIG. 12, thefoot-bearing surface may be covered with an insole or the like so thatit is not directly engaged by the wearer's foot.

In examples that use a push, or snap-fit, securing system that relies onan element of resilient deformation of portions of one or both of thebase member and the plug modules, sufficient resilience can be obtainedby the selection of the materials used and the dimensioning, shape andconfiguration of the parts. Thus, for example, if the base member andplug modules are both made of a relatively soft material, it may bedesirable to provide suitable reinforcing to the first and/or secondengagement formations. Alternatively, if relatively hard materials areused it may be desirable to dimension the parts to allow sufficientflexure or form the first or second engagement formations from adifferent material, for example by co-moulding.

The base member and plug modules may conveniently be formed fromplastics materials or elastomers by moulding processes whereby they canbe made in a cost efficient manner.

In some examples the base member will lack the strength required tofunction as footbed, due to the materials from which they are madeand/or the shape of the member. In these cases the plug modules functionas structural members providing sufficient strength to the footbedassembly for it to be able to function without bending unduly, foldingor collapsing. For example, base members illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12may require the presence of the plug modules to prevent it fromcollapsing towards the ground under the weight of a wearer. Similarly,the base member shown in FIG. 16 may tend to fold in the absence of theplug modules due to a lack of stiffness arising from the presence of therecess 824.

In some examples the shape of base member is such that it does notprovide a foot-bearing and/or foot-engaging face that has sufficientsurface area to function as such. In such cases, for example asillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, the plug modules provide a significant partof the foot-bearing and/or ground engaging face of the footbed assembly.In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the plug modules provide at least30% and may provide at least 40% or at least 50% of the foot-bearingand/or ground engaging face of the footbed.

It is acknowledged that the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and“comprising” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with eitheran exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of thisspecification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended tohave an inclusive meaning—i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusionof the listed components that the use directly references, butoptionally also the inclusion of other non-specified components orelements.

1.-30. (canceled)
 31. A modular footwear assembly to be worn on a foot, comprising: a base member having a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein a plurality of engagement formations are disposed on said base member that are accessible on said top surface; a plurality of plug modules, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules are selectively connectable to said top surface of said base member in any of a plurality of different possible positions, wherein each of said plurality of plug elements is affixed in place on said top surface in any of said plurality of different possible positions by said engagement formations; and wherein said top surface of said base member and said plurality of plug modules combine to form a bearing surface upon which said foot rests when said modular footwear assembly is worn.
 32. The assembly according to claim 31, wherein said engagement formations include holes formed into said base assembly through said top surface.
 33. The assembly according to claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules contain extending spigots that interconnect with some of said engagement formations and join said plurality of plug modules to said base member.
 34. The assembly according to claim 31, further including a plurality of depressions formed on said top surface of said base member, wherein said engagement formations are disposed within said depressions.
 35. The assembly according to claim 31, wherein said engagement formations include a plurality of spigots that extend upwardly from said top surface of said base member.
 36. The assembly according to claim 35, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules contains at least one hole that receives at least one of said spigots and interconnects said plug modules to said base member.
 37. The assembly according to claim 32 wherein said holes extend through said base element from said top surface to said bottom surface.
 38. The assembly according to claim 37, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules extends through at least one of said holes, and wherein each of said plug modules has a top section that is exposed on said top surface of said base member and a bottom section that is exposed on said bottom surface of said base member.
 39. The assembly according to claim 31, wherein said base member has side surfaces that extend between said top surface and said bottom surface.
 40. The assembly according to claim 39, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules has a section that extends across part of said side surfaces when said plurality of plug modules are attached to said base member.
 41. A modular footwear assembly to be worn on a foot, comprising: a base member having a bottom surface, a top surface and side surfaces that extend from said top surface to said bottom surface; a plurality of recesses formed into said base member; a plurality of plug modules, wherein said plurality of plug modules are sized to pass into and mechanically engage at least some of said plurality of recesses, therein enabling said base member to be combined with said plurality of plug modules in a variety of positions and combinations.
 42. The assembly according to claim 41, wherein said recesses are disposed on said top surface of said base member.
 43. The assembly according to claim 41, wherein said recesses are disposed on said side surfaces of said base member.
 44. The assembly according to claim 41, wherein said recesses are disposed on said bottom surfaces if said base member.
 45. The assembly according to claim 41, further including engagement formations in said recesses that mechanically interconnect said base member to said plurality of plug modules.
 46. The assembly according to claim 45, wherein said engagement formations include holes formed into said base assembly through said top surface.
 47. A modular footwear assembly to be worn on a foot, comprising: a base member having a bottom surface and a top surface; a plurality of plug modules; a plurality of snap-fit connectors that mechanically interconnect said plurality of plug modules to said base in any of a plurality of different possible positions, wherein said top surface of said base member and said plurality of plug modules combine to form a bearing surface upon which said foot rests when said modular footwear assembly is worn.
 48. The assembly according to claim 47, wherein said snap-fit connectors include holes formed into said base assembly through said top surface.
 49. The assembly according to claim 48, wherein each of said plurality of plug modules contain extending spigots that interconnect with some of said holes, therein forming said snap-fit connectors that join said plurality of plug modules to said base member.
 50. The assembly according to claim 47, further including a plurality of depressions formed on said top surface of said base member, wherein said engagement snap-fit connectors are disposed within said depressions. 